Miter gauge assembly

ABSTRACT

A miter gauge for guiding a work piece over a work platform has a base assembly that slides over the work platform and a fence that engages the work piece on the work platform. The fence is movable relative to the base assembly and includes a first locating member. A second locating member is operatively connected to the base assembly and selectively engages the first locating member of the fence. The second locating member moves between a locked position where the second locating member is engaged with the first locating member to inhibit movement of the fence and hold the fence at a preset position and an unlocked position where the second locating member disengages the first locating member so that the fence and base assembly are free to move relative to one another.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to and is a divisional of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 16/370,601, filed Mar. 29, 2019, the entirety ofwhich is hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to a guide assembly for guidinga work piece on a work table and more specifically to a miter gaugeassembly.

BACKGROUND

Miter gauge assemblies are used to guide movement of stock along a worktable, such as a router table or table saw, in a feed direction. Mitergauges typically include a bar that is slidably received in a channel ofthe work table to guide movement of the miter gauge assembly in astraight or linear manner along the work table. Miter gauge assembliesare typically equipped with a fence coupled to the miter gauge, whoseorientation (e.g., angle) and location can be adjusted relative to thecutting element (e.g., blade) of the work table. The fences typicallydefine slots for slidably mounting the fence to the miter gauge. Thisallows the fence to slide relative to the miter gauge to change thelocation or distance of the fence relative to the cutting element. Oneor more of these slots can also slidably mount other various implementsand accessories to the miter gauge assembly. For example, a fenceextender can be slidably mounted in a race to change the operativelength of the fence.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, a guide assembly for use with a tool to guide movement ofthe tool along a channel defined by a work platform includes an elongatebar configured to be slidably received in the channel. The elongate bardefines a longitudinal axis extending between opposite first and secondends of the elongate bar and has a width extending between oppositefirst and second sides of the elongate bar. The width of the elongatebar is less than a width of the channel. The elongate bar definesrecesses extending from the first side of the elongate bar toward thesecond side of the elongate bar. Guides are moveably mounted on theelongate bar to adjust a working width of the guide assembly to fit thewidth of the channel defined by the work platform. Each guide ismoveably mounted in one of the recesses of the elongate bar. Each guideprojects from the corresponding recess and has a guide surface having atleast a portion thereof disposed outward of the first side of theelongate bar. The working width of the guide assembly extends betweenthe second side of the elongate bar and the portion of the guide surfacedisposed outward of the first side of the elongate bar. The guideassembly also includes two or more deformable members. Each deformablemember is operatively connected between each guide and the elongate barso that movement of each guide relative to the elongate bar results indeformation of the deformable member.

In another aspect, a miter gauge for guiding a work piece over a workplatform includes a base assembly configured to engage and slide overthe work platform. A fence is configured to engage the work piece on thework platform. The fence defines a longitudinal axis extending betweenopposite ends of the fence. The fence and base assembly are connected toone another for relative movement such that the fence is selectivelypositionable longitudinally along the base assembly to adjust alongitudinal position of the fence with respect to the base assembly.The fence includes a first locating member. A second locating member isoperatively connected to the base assembly and is configured toselectively engage the first locating member of the fence. The first andsecond locating members are aligned along the longitudinal axis of thefence. The second locating member is moveable between a locked positionwhere the second locating member is engaged with the first locatingmember to inhibit longitudinal movement of the fence with respect to thebase assembly and hold the fence at a preset longitudinal position withrespect to the base assembly and an unlocked position where the secondlocating member disengages the first locating member such that the baseassembly is free to move to other longitudinal positions along thefence.

In still another aspect, a stop for a tool that engages a work piece ona work platform includes a mounting assembly configured to be movablymounted on the tool so that the mounting assembly is selectivelypositionable on the tool. A first member is operatively connected to themounting assembly and projects outwardly from the mounting assembly. Asecond member projects from the first member and is configured to engagethe work piece to locate the work piece with respect to the tool. Thesecond member is mounted on the first member for movement along a lengthof the first member and is selectively fixed to the first member toadjust a distance between the second member and the mounting assembly.

In yet another aspect, a miter gauge for guiding a work piece over awork platform in relation to a blade. The work platform has a worksurface, a first axis perpendicular to the blade and parallel to thework surface and a second axis extending from and normal to the worksurface. The miter gauge includes a base assembly configured to engageand slide over the work platform. The base assembly includes a baseconfigured to be operatively coupled to the work platform. A fence plateis operatively coupled to the base and is moveable relative to the baseto adjust the position of the fence plate relative to the base. Thefence plate has a fence engaging face. Brackets operatively connect thefence plate to the base. Each bracket is connected to the fence plateand the base. Each bracket is movable relative to the base to adjust theorientation of the fence plate relative to the first axis in order tosquare the fence engaging face to the blade. The fence plate is movablerelative to the two brackets to adjust the orientation of the fenceplate relative to the second axis in order to square the fence engagingface to the work surface.

In another aspect, a fence stop for a fence that engages a work pieceincludes a sliding member configured to engage a work piece to preventthe work piece from moving relative to the fence. The sliding member hasopposite first and second ends and defines a longitudinal axis extendingbetween the first and second ends. The sliding member defines a slotgenerally parallel to the longitudinal axis. A fastener is receivablethrough the slot to connect the sliding member to the fence. An O-ringis mounted on the fastener. The sliding member defines a groove incommunication with the slot that receives the O-ring mounted on thefastener to prevent the sliding member from moving relative to thefence.

Other objects and features will be in part apparent and in part pointedout hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective of a miter gauge assembly mounted on a worksurface of a table saw;

FIG. 2 is a perspective of the miter gauge assembly;

FIG. 3 is a perspective of a miter gauge of the miter gauge assembly;

FIG. 4 is a cross section taken through line 4-4 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary cross section taken through line 5-5 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a partially exploded perspective of the miter gauge;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective of a fence of the mitergauge assembly;

FIG. 8 is the perspective of FIG. 7 with parts exploded;

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary cross section taken through line 9-9 of FIG. 2with a locating pin of the miter gauge in a locked position;

FIG. 10 is the fragmentary cross section similar to FIG. 9 with thelocating pin in an unlocked position;

FIG. 11 is a perspective of a stop of the miter gauge assembly;

FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective of the stop;

FIG. 13 is a fragmentary perspective of the miter gauge assembly,illustrating the stop attached to the fence;

FIG. 14 is a fragmentary perspective of the miter gauge assembly,illustrating the stop attached to a fence having a sub-fence;

FIG. 15 is a fragmentary rear perspective of the fence, illustrating afence stop of the fence of the miter gauge assembly in a retractedposition;

FIG. 16 is a fragmentary front perspective of the fence, illustratingthe fence stop in an extended position;

FIG. 17 is a fragmentary exploded perspective of the fence stop;

FIG. 18 is an enlarged fragmentary cross section taken through line18-18 of FIG. 15;

FIG. 19 is a cross section taken through line 19-19 of FIG. 15; and

FIG. 20 is an exploded perspective of the miter gauge assembly.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding partsthroughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a miter gauge assembly for guiding movementof stock (e.g., work piece) along a work table 12 in a feed direction Fis generally indicated at reference number 10. In the illustratedembodiment. the work table 12 is a table saw, but features of the mitergauge assembly 10 are independent of the kind of work table and can beused in combination with other kinds of work tables (e.g., routertables, etc.) without departing from the scope of the presentdisclosure. The work table 12 defines a horizontal work surface 14(broadly, work platform) and has an infeed end 12A and an oppositeoutfeed end 12B spaced apart from one another in the feed direction F.The work table 12 includes a table fence 18 extending across the worksurface 14 in the feed direction F. The work table 12 includes a blade16 (broadly, a cutting element or working element) that projects upwardfrom the work surface 14 to work or cut the stock as the stock is guidedalong the work surface by the miter gauge assembly 10, as generallyunderstood in the art. The illustrated miter gauge assembly 10 includesboth a miter gauge, generally indicated at 20, and a fence assembly,generally indicated at 22, moveably connected to the miter gauge.

For the purposes of illustration, the work surface 14 of the work table12 contains a horizontal line or x-axis and an intersecting horizontalline or y-axis perpendicular to the x-axis. The feed direction F isgenerally parallel to the y-axis. The x-axis is generally perpendicularto or square with the blade 16. A vertical line or z-axis normal to thexy-plane or work surface 14, passes through the coordinate origin formedby the intersecting x- and y-axes.

Referring to FIGS. 2-6, the miter gauge 20 includes a base assembly,generally indicated at 24, pivotally attached to a guide assembly,generally indicated at 26. The guide assembly 26 is configured to guidemovement of the miter gauge assembly 10 across the work surface 14 inthe feed direction F. The guide assembly 26 includes an elongate bar 28configured to be slidably received in a channel 19 (e.g., groove)defined by the work surface 14. As shown in FIG. 1, the channel 19extends in the feed direction F across the work surface 14 from theinfeed end 12A to the outfeed end 12B of the work table 12. Thus, thechannel 19 is generally parallel to the y-axis and the blade 16. Thechannel 19 has a width W2 (FIG. 5) that is generally perpendicular tothe feed direction F. The bar 28 has opposite ends 30 and 32,respectively, and defines a longitudinal axis LA1 extending between theopposite ends. The bar 28 has opposite sides 34 and 36, respectively,and a width W1 extending between the opposite sides. The width W1 of thebar 28 is less than the width W2 of the channel 19. This allows the bar28 to be inserted and received in the channel 19. In one embodiment, thechannel 19 has a width W2 of 0.75 inches (1.9 cm) and the bar 28 has awidth of 0.73 inches (1.85 cm), although other dimensions are within thescope of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, thechannel 19 is an inverted T-shaped channel (FIG. 5) and the guideassembly 26 includes a wheel 37 rotatably connected to one end 32 of thebar that extends into the side recesses of the T-shaped channel toinhibit the guide assembly from lifting out of the channel.

The bar 28 defines recesses 38 longitudinally spaced apart along thebar. In the illustrated embodiment, the bar 28 defines three recesses38, although more or fewer recesses are within the scope of the presentdisclosure. Each recess 38 extends from one side 36 of the bar towardthe other side 34 of the bar. The recesses 38 extend from one side 36 tothe other side 34 in a direction that is generally perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis LA1 of the bar. In the illustrated embodiment, therecesses 38 do not extend all the way from one side 36 to the other side34. In other embodiments, the recesses may extend from one side to theother (e.g., across the entire width of the bar). Each recess 38includes an open top at the upper surface of the bar 28 and an open sideat one side 36 of the bar.

Each recess 38 is sized and shaped to receive a guide 40. Each guide 40is moveably mounted on the bar 28 in order to adjust the working widthWW of the guide assembly 26 to fit the width W2 of the channel 19. Eachguide 40 is selectively moveable within its respective recess 38 in adirection generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LA1 in orderto adjust the working width WW of the guide assembly 26. In theillustrated embodiment, the guides 40 are collars, although otherconfigurations are within the scope of the present disclosure. Eachcollar 40 has a guide surface 54 (broadly, outer perimeter surface)having at least a portion thereof disposed outward of one side 36 of thebar 28. In other words, at least a portion of each collar 40 projectsoutward from its corresponding recess 38 in a direction generallyperpendicular to the longitudinal axis LA1 through the open side of therecess 38 and past the side 36 of the bar 28. The working width VVW ofthe guide assembly 26 extends between the side 34 of the bar 28 and theportion of the guide surface 54 disposed outward of the side 36 of theelongate bar. Specifically, the working width VVW is measured to theoutward most point on the guide surface 54. As explained in more detailbelow, the collar 40 can be moved within the recess 38 in order toadjust the working width VVW of the guide assembly 26 to fit theparticular size of the channel 19 of the work table 12. Each collar hasa generally circular cross-sectional shape (taken parallel to the xyplane when the miter gauge 20 is mounted on the work table 12).

The guide assembly 26 includes deformable members 52. Each deformablemember 52 is operatively connected between one of the collars 40 and thebar 28 so that movement of each collar relative to the bar results indeformation of the deformable member. As will be explained in moredetail below, each deformable member 52 facilitates the adjustment ofthe working width WW. In the illustrated embodiment, the deformablemember 52 is an O-ring, although other configurations are within thescope of the present disclosure. Each collar 40 defines an opening 42that receives a fastener 46 (e.g., screw) to movably mount the collar tothe bar 28. The fit of the screw 46 in the opening 42 is loose, so thatthe collar 40 can move somewhat laterally of the screw and bar 28. Thebar defines a threaded hole 44 below each recess 38 which threadablyreceives the screw 46 to secure the collar 40 in the recess. As shown inFIGS. 4 and 5, the O-ring 52 is positioned on the shaft 50 of the screw46, between at least a portion of the screw 46 and at least a portion ofcollar 40. As a result, lateral movement of the collar 40 in the recess38 and relative to the screw 46 compresses (broadly, deforms) the O-ring52 between the screw and the collar.

Each collar 40 is movable in its recess 38 relative to the screw 46 and,thus, the bar 28. Specifically, each collar 40 is slidable within therecess 38 in a direction that is generally perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis LA1 and parallel to the width of the bar 28. Theopening 42 in each collar 40 includes an upper section 42A configured toreceive the head 48 of the fastener, an intermediate section 42Bconfigured to receive a portion of the shaft 50 of the fastener, and alower section 42C configured to receive another portion of the shaft andthe deformable member 52. The upper, intermediate and lower sections42A-C all have different diameters with the intermediate section havingthe smallest diameter. However, the diameter of the intermediate section42B is larger than the diameter of the shaft 50 of the fastener in orderto allow the collar 40 to move relative to the fastener in a directiongenerally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LA1 and parallel to thewidth of the bar 28. In one embodiment, the diameter of the intermediatesection 42B is 0.04 inches (1 mm) larger than the diameter of the shaft50 to allow the collar 40 to move a maximum of 0.04 inches (1 mm)relative to the screw 46.

When the screw 46 is rotatably tightened against the collar 40, thefastener secures and fixes the lateral position of the collar within therecess 38. When tightened, the head 48 of the screw 46 engages ashoulder 56 of the collar 40 defining the upper section 42A and clampsthe collar against the bottom of the recess 38 to prevent the collarfrom moving. Thus, when secured by the screw 46, the collar 40 does notmove or rotate relative to the fastener. When the O-ring 52 is in itsinitial undeformed or uncompressed state (as shown in FIG. 4), the guideassembly 26 preferably has a working width WW greater than the width W2of the channel 19. In this arrangement, the collar 40 and screw 46 aregenerally aligned with one another. In one embodiment, the guideassembly has an initial or unadjusted working width WW of 0.765 inches(1.94 cm) when the O-rings 52 are in the undeformed state. It isunderstood that in the initial undeformed or uncompressed state, thedeformable member 52 may be slightly compressed or deformed in order tofill the lower section 42C between the collar 40 and the screw 46 (FIG.4).

To adjust (e.g., reduce) the working width WW of the guide assembly 26to fit the width W2 of the channel 19, each screw 46 is loosened toreduce or remove its frictional grip and the clamping force of thecorresponding collars 40. This allows each collar 40 to freely move in adirection generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LA1. Theguide assembly 26 is then inserted into the channel 19 and, as a resultof the engagement between the portion of the guide surface 54 disposedoutward of the bar 28 and the side of the channel, each collar 40 movesin a direction generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LA1. Inparticular, each collar 40 moves toward the side 34 of the bar 28. Inone embodiment, a spacer (not shown), such as a piece of paper, may bepositioned between the collar 40 and the side of the channel 19 toprovide a small degree of clearance, approximately 0.003 inches (0.08mm), between the collar and the side of the channel to allow the guideassembly to move within the channel.

As each collar 40 moves, each collar compresses the deformable member 52(broadly, at least a portion thereof) against the screw 46 (FIG. 5).This results in the deformable member 52 applying a biasing force to thecollar in a direction opposite the movement to push the collar intoengagement with the side of the channel 19 (or spacer). Thus, the byloosening the fasteners 46 and inserting the guide assembly 26 into thechannel 19, the collars 40 are automatically moved within each recess 38and relative to the bar 28 to adjust the working width WW to the widthW2 of the channel (or slightly less if a spacer is used). After theguide assembly 26 is positioned in the channel 19, the fasteners 46 aretightened to secure the collars 40 in position and set the working widthWW (e.g., final or adjusted working width) of the guide assembly. Inthis arrangement, the collar 40 and screw 46 are concentrically offsetfrom one another. Accordingly, the guide assembly 26 can be easilyadjusted to fit the width W2 of generally any channel and account fortolerances between channels. Moreover, once the working width WW of theguide assembly is adjusted to fit the channel 19, the guide assembly canslide accurately and freely in the channel to guide movement of themiter gauge assembly 10. It is understood the guide assembly 26 can beused in other tools, besides a miter gauge, to guide movement of thetool along a work surface 14 having a channel 19.

Referring to FIGS. 2, 3 and 6, the base assembly 24 of the miter gauge20 includes a base 62 and a fence plate 64. The base assembly 24 isconfigured to engage and slide over the work surface 14. In particular,the base 62 is configured to engage and slide over the work surface 14.The base 62 is configured to be operatively coupled to the work surface14 by the guide assembly 26. The base 62 is pivotally attached to theguide assembly 24 at pivot point 60 to enable the orientation of thebase assembly 24, and therefore the orientation of the fence assembly22, to change. Thus, when the miter gauge assembly 10 is mounted on thework surface 14, the base 62 is coupled to the work surface 14 by theguide assembly 26. The miter gauge 20 includes a handle 66 to be graspedby the user in order to move the miter gauge assembly 10 along the worksurface 14. Further details concerning the handle and how the base 62 ispivotally attached to the guide assembly 26, along with other aspects ofthe miter gauge assembly 10, may be found in U.S. Patent Publication No.2006/0201298, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

The fence plate 64 is a separate component from the base 62. The fenceplate 64 is operatively coupled to the base 62 and moveable relative tothe base to adjust the position of the fence plate relative to the base.Two brackets 68 connect the fence plate 64 to the base 62. Each bracket68 is connected or attached to the fence plate 64 and the base 62. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the two brackets 68 are disposed on oppositesides of the fence plate 64 and base 62, although other positions andnumbers of brackets are within the scope of the present disclosure. Thetwo brackets 68 are mirror images of each other and, thus, it isunderstood the teachings of one bracket applies equally to the otherbracket. Each bracket 68 has a generally L-shape with a first leg 70configured to extend along the side of the base 62 and a second leg 72configured to extend along the side of the face plate 64. The first leg70 is generally horizontal and the second leg 72 is generally vertical.The first leg 70 has two projections 74 extending outward therefrom.When the bracket 68 is attached to the base 62, the two projections 74extend toward the other bracket 68. Each projection 74 is elongate andextends along the first leg 70 in a direction parallel to the length ofthe first leg.

Each side of the base 62 defines slots 76 configured to receivecorresponding ones of the projections 74. As explained in more detailbelow, each projection 74 is slidable or movable within its slot 76 toguide the movement of each bracket 68 relative to the base 62 when thebracket is moved to adjust the position of the fence plate 64 relativeto the base. In the illustrated embodiment, each bracket 68 and eachside of the base 62 defines two projections 74 and slots 76,respectively, although other numbers, configurations and arraignments ofprojections and slots are within the scope of the present disclosure.Each slot 76 is elongate and extends along the side of the base 62 in adirection parallel to the length of the side. Thus, the elongate shapesof the projections 74 and slots 76 are generally parallel to oneanother. When the base assembly 24 and guide assembly 26 are in theorientation shown in FIG. 6, the elongate shapes of the projections 74and slots 76 are generally parallel to the longitudinal axis LA1.

Each bracket 68 defines a plurality of fastener openings 78 that receivefasteners 80 (e.g., bolts) to connect the bracket 68 to the base 62 andfence plate 64. Each bracket 68 includes at least one fastener opening78 in the first leg 72 to receive a fastener 80 that connects thebracket to the base 62. Likewise, each bracket 68 includes at least onefastener opening 78 in the second leg 74 to receive a fastener 80 thatconnects the bracket to the fence plate 64. In the illustratedembodiment, each bracket 68 defines four fastener openings 78, with twofastener openings used to connect each bracket to the base 62 and twofastener opening used to connect each bracket to the fence plate 64. Inthe illustrated embodiment, two fastener openings 78 are in the firstleg 70, one fastener opening is in the second leg 72 and one fasteneropening is at the intersection of the first and second legs. Otherarrangements and number of fastener openings 78 are within the scope ofthe present disclosure. The fastener openings 78 are smooth (e.g.,non-threaded). In addition, the fastener openings 78 are larger than thefasteners 80 (e.g., oversized) in order to allow each fastener to moveand be positioned in each fastener opening. As will be explained in moredetail below, because the fastener openings 78 are oversized (e.g.,provide ample clearance for the fasteners 80), the position of the fenceplate 64 relative to the base 62 can be adjusted or changed.

As shown in FIG. 6, each fastener opening 78 is generally aligned with acorresponding fastener opening 81 in either the side of the base 62 orthe side of the fence plate 64. Accordingly, the number and positioningof fastener opening 78 corresponds to the number and position offastener openings 81. In the illustrated embodiment, each side of thebase 62 defines two fastener openings 81 and each side of the fenceplate 64 defines two fastener openings. Fastener openings 81 arethreaded and threadably receive the fasteners 80.

To secure the fence plate 64 to the base 62, fasteners 80 are insertingthrough the fastener openings 78 in the bracket 68 and threaded into thefastener openings 81 in the fence plate and base. When the fastener 80is rotatably tightened against the bracket 68, the fastener secures andfixes the position of the bracket relative to the base 62 or fence plate64, depending on which component the fastener 80 is threaded into. Thehead of each fastener 80 (via washers 84) bears against the bracket 68and applies a clamping force to the bracket to prevent the bracket frommoving relative to either the base 62 or fence plate 64. Accordingly,when all the fasteners 80 are tightened against the bracket 68, theposition of the fence plate 64 relative to the base 62 is fixed.

The brackets 68 enable the adjustment of the fence plate 64 relative tothe base 62 in two directions. When the base assembly 24 is in theposition relative to the guide assembly 26 shown in FIG. 6 (e.g., thebase assembly is not rotated relative to the guide assembly), the fenceplate 64 can be moved or set so that a fence engaging face 82 of thefence plate is square to the blade 16 and the work surface 14. The fenceengaging face 82 is generally planar and, as described in more detailbelow, engages the fence assembly 22. Each bracket 68 is movablerelative to the base 62 to adjust the orientation of the fence platerelative to the x-axis in order to square the fence engaging face 82 tothe blade 16. Likewise, the fence plate 64 is movable relative to eachbracket 68 to adjust the orientation of the fence plate relative to thez-axis in order to square the fence engaging face 82 to the work surface14. As a result of squaring the fence engaging face 82 to the blade 16and work surface 14, the fence assembly 22 connected to the fence plate64 will also be square to the blade 16 and work surface 14. This resultsin the miter gauge assembly 10 guiding stock in the feed direction andagainst the blade 16 with a high degree of precision to produce moreaccurate cuts.

To adjust the position of the fence plate 64 relative to the base 62,the fasteners 80 are loosened. This allows the fasteners 80 and/orbracket 68 to move relative to one another due to the oversized fasteneropenings 78. To square the fence engaging face 82 to the blade 16, eachbracket 68 can independently move or slide along the side of the base 62in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis LA1 andy-axis (when the base assembly 24 is in the position shown in FIG. 6).By moving the brackets 68 independently along the base 62 in a directionparallel to the y-axis, the orientation of the face plate relative tothe x-axis can be changed. Each projection 74 is slidable within itsrespective slot 76 to guide the movement of each bracket 68 relative tothe base 62 when the bracket is moved to square the fence engaging face82 to the blade 16. Each slot 76 is longer than the projection 74 inorder to allow the projection to slide freely therein and in a directionparallel to the y-axis. The height of each projection 74 matches theheight of each slot 76 to prevent the projection from moving in adirection parallel to the z-axis. Thus, the engagement between eachprojection 74 and corresponding slot 76 prevents the bracket 68 frommoving relative to the base 62 in a direction that is generally parallelto the z-axis. In other words, the projections 74 constrain the movementof the bracket 68 from moving vertically. This prevents any misalignmentof the fence plate 64 relative to both the work surface 14 and blade 16that may result if the brackets 68 where free to move in a directionparallel to the z-axis. The larger fastener openings 78 of the bracket68 allow the bracket to move relative to the fasteners 80 threadablysecured to the base 62. The clearance provide by the fastener openings78 needs to be enough to allow the fence plate to be moved in adirection parallel to the y-axis to account for any alignment variationsbetween the channel 19 and the blade 16. In one embodiment, clearanceprovided by the fastener openings 78 allows the brackets to move 1/16inch (1.6 mm) or less relative to the base 62. Once the fence plate 64is positioned relative to the base 62, the fasteners 80 are tightened tofix the position of the brackets 68 relative to the base.

To square the fence engaging face 82 to the work surface 14, the fenceplate 64 can be moved relative to both brackets 68. In particular, thefence plate 64 can be tilted in a direction of rotation about thex-axis. Because the fastener openings 78 are larger than the fasteners80, each fastener is free to move within the fastener opening to squarethe fence engaging face 82 to the work surface 14. As the fence plate 64is tilted or rotated about the x-axis, each fastener 80 threadablysecured to the fence plate 64 moves within its corresponding thefastener openings 78 as the orientation of the fence plate is adjustedrelative to the brackets 68 and, by extension, the base 62. Theclearance provided by the fastener openings 78 needs to be enough toallow the fence plate to rotate a few degrees to account for anyalignment variations between a work table 12 and the base assembly 24.Once the fence plate 64 is positioned relative to the base 62, thefasteners 80 are tightened to fix the position of the fence platerelative to the brackets 68.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 7-10, the fence assembly 22 of the miter gaugeassembly 10 is connected to the miter gauge 20. The fence assembly 22includes a fence 100 configured to be connected to the miter gauge 20.The fence 100 has opposite ends and a longitudinal axis LA2 extendingbetween the opposite ends. The fence 100 has a mounting face 102 anddefines a t-slot 104 that opens toward the mounting face and extendsalong the fence, between the opposite ends, in a direction generallyparallel to the longitudinal axis LA2. The fence 100 is configured toengage the stock. The fence has a guide face 105 opposite the mountingface 102 that engages and guides the stock in the feed direction F asthe miter gauge assembly 10 is moved by an operator.

The fence 100 and base assembly 24 are movably mounted to one anothersuch that the fence is selectively positionable longitudinally along thebase assembly to adjust the longitudinal position of the fence on thebase assembly. In particular, the fence 100 is slidably coupled to thefence plate 64 such that fence and fence plate can move relative to oneanother. The base assembly 24 includes two knobs 86 that have a threadedshaft extending through the face plate 64 and into the t-slot 104. Eachthreaded shaft is connected to a clamp nut disposed in the t-slot 104.The knobs 86 can be manually rotated for selectively loosening andtightening the clamp nut. Rotating the knobs 86 to loosen the clamp nutsallows the fence 100 and base assembly 24 to move or slide relative toone another. Rotating the knobs 86 to tighten the clamp nuts secures orfixes the fence 100 and base assembly 24 relative to one another. Whenthe fence 100 is secured to the base assembly 24, the mounting face 102and fence engaging face 82 of the fence plate 64 are in flush engagementwith one another. Thus, the orientation of the fence engaging face 82determines the orientation of the fence 100.

The fence assembly 22 includes a scale 106 on the fence 100. The scaleinclude indicia (FIG. 13) indicative of units of distance (e.g., inch,cm, etc.) In the illustrated embodiment, the scale 106 is disposed inanother slot 108 on the top of the fence. The scale 106 aids theoperator in cutting the stock to the correct dimension. The scale 106 isselectively positionable longitudinally in the slot 108 to calibrate orposition the scale correctly on the fence 100 relative to the blade 16.During operation, the fence 100 is frequently moved relative to the baseassembly 24 by the operator for any number of reasons, which include,but are not limited to, moving the fence closer to or farther from theblade and/or accounting for the distance between a channel and a cuttingelement of a particular work table. Because of the frequency in whichthe fence 100 and base assembly 24 are moved relative to one anotherduring operation, the scale 106 is frequently, if not nearly always,improperly positioned relative to the blade 16. This requires theoperator to reposition the scale 106 on the fence 100 every time thefence and base assembly 24 are moved relative to one another in order toproperly calibrate the scale so that the scale can aid the operator inthe cutting of stock to the correct dimension. It is understood, thedistance between the base assembly 24 and the blade 16 (specifically,the distance between the base assembly and a line parallel to the y-axisthat extends through the blade) is constant due to the engagement of theguide assembly 26 in the channel 19.

To address this issue, the base assembly 24 of the current disclosure isconfigured to have a preset longitudinal position or home position onthe fence 100. The scale 106 is calibrated when the base assembly 24 isat the home position on the fence 100. As a result, no matter howfrequently or how greatly the fence 100 and base assembly 24 are movedrelative to one another, the base assembly can always be returned to thehome position on the fence. By moving the base assembly 24 back to thehome position after the fence 100 and base assembly have been movedrelative to one another, the scale 106 remains properly calibratedrelative to the blade 16. In other words, the scale 106 is properlycalibrated as long as the base assembly 24 is at the home position onthe fence 100. Accordingly, the operator knows the scale 106 is properlycalibrated when the base assembly 24 is at the home position, instead ofrepositioning the scale 106 every time the fence 100 and base assemblyare moved relative to one another. It is understood there may be otherreasons for wanting to establish a home position between the baseassembly 24 and fence 100. For example, an operator may want toestablish a home position that positions the fence a certain distanceaway from the blade 16.

To establish the home position between the fence 100 and the baseassembly 24, the fence defines a locating hole 110 (broadly, a firstlocating member) and the base assembly 24 includes a locating pin 112(broadly, a second locating member) selectively insertable into thelocating hole. In the illustrated embodiment, the fence 100 includes alocating nut 114 that defines the locating hole 110. Otherconfigurations of the locating hole are within the scope of the presentdisclosure. For example, locating hole can be defined by the mountingface 102 of the fence 100. The position of the locating hole 110 on thefence 100 determines the home position of the base assembly 24 on thefence.

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the locating pin 112 is operativelyconnected to the base assembly 24 and is configured to be received in orinserted into the locating hole 110 of the fence 100. In the illustratedembodiment, the locating pin 112 extends through an opening in the fenceplate 64 and into the locating hole 110. The locating pin 112 islongitudinally slidable through the opening in the fence plate 64. Thelocating pin 112 is moveable between a locked position (FIG. 9) and anunlocked position (FIG. 10). In the locked position, the locating pin112 is engaged with (e.g., inserted in) the locating hole 110 to inhibitlongitudinal movement of the fence 100 along the base assembly 24 andhold the base assembly at the home position on the fence. In theunlocked position, the locating pin is free of engagement with (e.g.,disengages) the locating hole 110 so that the fence 100 is free to moveto other longitudinal positions along the base assembly 24. In order tomove the base assembly 24 and fence 100 relative to one another, theknobs 86 must also be loosened to release the clamp nuts. The locatingpin 112 is connected to a knob 122 that can be manually grasped by theoperator to slide or move the locating pin between the locked andunlocked positions. In one embodiment, the locating pin 112 may alsoinclude a shoulder 124 configured to engage the fence engaging face 82to prevent unintentional withdrawal of the locating pin from the fenceplate 64. In one embodiment, the locating pin 112 may be releasablybiased in the locked position. For example, a spring (not shown) may beincluded on the locating pin 112 between the fence plate 64 and theshoulder 124 to bias the locating pin in the locked position.

The locating hole 110 can be selectively positioned longitudinally alongthe fence to adjust or change the home position of the base assembly 24on the fence. As shown in FIG. 7, the fence 100 defines a race 116 thatreceives the locating nut 114. The race 116 extends longitudinally alongthe fence 100. The locating nut 114 is movably disposed or slidablewithin the race 116. The locating nut 114 includes two set screws 118(broadly, at least one set screw) threadably received in threaded holes120 defined by and extending through the locating nut. The set screws118 are used to set or fix the position of the locating nut 114 in therace 116. Thus, the locating nut 114 is selectively positionablelongitudinally within the race 116 to adjust the home position of thebase assembly 24 on the fence 100. To set the position of the locatingnut 114, and thereby the locating hole 110, the set screws 118 arerotated until the locating nut clamps against one side of the race tosecure the locking nut in position within the race 116. In thisposition, the locating nut 114 is fixed in position and inhibited orprevented from moving within the race 116. Loosening the set screws 118allows the locating nut 114 to move freely within the race 116. In oneembodiment, the locating hole 110 is positioned along the fence 100 sothat when the base assembly 24 is at the home position on the fence, thefence is approximately 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) from the blade 16.

In the illustrated embodiment, the t-slot 104 that receives the clampnuts to secure the fence 100 to the base assembly 24 is disposed betweenthe race 116 that receives the locating nut 114 and the fence plate 64,when the fence is secured to the fence plate. In order to permit thelocating pin 112 to reach the locating hole 110, the portion of thefence 100 separating the t-slot 104 and race 116 defines a window 126(FIG. 7). The window 126 allows the locating pin 112 to extend throughthe t-slot 104 and the portion of the fence 100 separating the t-slotand the race 116 and into the race to engage the locating hole 110. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the window 126 is disposed toward one end ofthe fence 100 and is shorter than the length of the fence, although,other configurations are within the scope of the present disclosure. Itis understood that the locating nut 114 could be inserted into otherraces or slots defined by the fence 110.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 15-19, the fence assembly 22 includes a fencestop 150. The fence stop 150 is configured to engage the stock. Inoperation, the fence stop 150 can engage the end or side of the stock toset the location of the stock relative to the fence assembly 22. In theillustrated embodiment, the fence stop 150 is attached to an end of afence extension bar 140. The fence extension bar 140 is longitudinallyslidable within a race 142 (FIG. 7) defined by the fence 100 and extendsoutward from the end of the fence. The fence extension bar 140 defines at-slot 144 that receives a clamp nut (FIG. 20) connected to a threadedrod extending therefrom. A knob 146 is threadably secured to thethreaded rod. Rotating the knob 146 to loosen the clamp nut allows thefence extension bar 140 to move or slide within the race 142. Rotatingthe knob 146 to tighten the clamp nut secures or fixes the fenceextension bar 140 on the fence 100. Attaching the fence stop 150 to thefence extension bar 140 allows the fence stop to be adjustablypositioned relative to the blade 16 and to be positioned further awayfrom the blade than if the fence stop was attached to the fence 100. Itis understood the fence stop 150 can be attached to the fence 100instead of the fence extension bar 140.

The fence stop 150 includes a mounting block 152 and a sliding member154. The mounting block 152 attaches the fence stop 150 to the fenceextension bar 140. The fence extension bar 140 defines a race 148 thatreceives the mounting block. The mounting block 152 has across-sectional shape that generally corresponds to (e.g., matches) thecross-sectional shape of the race 148 to form a close fittingrelationship with the race. The mounting block defines an opening 156extending there-through that aligns with two openings 147 in the fenceextension bar on opposite sides of the race 148. A locking pin 158extends through the aligned openings 147, 156 to secure the mountingblock 152 to the fence extension bar 140.

The sliding member 154 is configured to engage the stock to prevent thestock from moving relative to the fence assembly 22. The sliding member154 has opposite ends 160 and 162, respectively, and defines alongitudinal axis LA3 extending between the opposite ends. Theillustrated sliding member has a generally rectangular shape, althoughother configurations are within the scope of the present disclosure. Thesliding member 154 defines a slot 166 extending along the slidingmember. The slot 166 is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis LA3.The slot 166 has generally closed, semi-circular ends. The slidingmember 154 defines a channel 164 that extends from the one end 160 ofthe sliding member to the other end of the slot 166 along the side ofthe sliding member. The channel 164 is in communication with the slot166. The sliding member 154 includes a finger tab 168 opposite thechannel 164 and adjacent to the end 160.

The fence stop 150 includes a fastener 170 (e.g., a bolt) to movably orslidably connect the sliding member 154 to the mounting block 152. Themounting block 152 defines a threaded hole 172 to threadably receive thefastener 170. The fastener 170 is inserted through (e.g., received in)the slot 166 to connect the sliding member 154 to the mounting block 152(more broadly, the fence extension bar 140 or fence 100). The fastener170 is tightened against the sliding member 154 to secure the slidingmember to the mounting block but not so tight as to prevent the slidingmember from moving or sliding relative to the fastener. The illustratedmounting block 152 also includes a threaded hole 174 in communicationwith the threaded hole 172 that receives a set screw 175 to engage thefastener 170 and prevent the fastener from unintentionally withdrawingfrom the mounting block. The threaded hole 174 that receives the setscrew 175 aligns with an opening 149 in the fence extension 140 bar topermit access to the set screw 175 when the mounting block 152 isattached to the fence extension bar.

The sliding member 154 of the fence stop 150 is configured to movebetween an extended position (FIG. 16) and a retracted position (FIG.15). In the extended position, the sliding member 154 extends past theguide face 105 of the fence 100. In this position, the end or side ofthe stock can butt against the sliding member 154. This prevents thestock from moving along the fence assembly 22 in a direction away fromthe blade 16. In the retracted position, the sliding member does notextend past the guide face 105 of the fence 100. In this position, thestock does not engage the sliding member 154 when the stock abuts theguide face 105 of the fence 100. The fastener 170 is disposed at andengages one end of the slot 166 in the extended position and theopposite end of the slot in the retracted position.

The fence stop 150 includes an O-ring 178 configured to secure or holdthe sliding member in the extended and retracted positions. The O-ring178 is mounted on the fastener 170 and engages the sliding member 154 toinhibit unintentional movement of the sliding member. The sliding member154 defines a groove or channel 176 in communication with the slot 166.The groove 176 is configured to receive at least a portion of the O-ring178 mounted on the fastener 170 to prevent the sliding member frommoving relative to the fastener (more broadly, the mounting block 152,the fence extension bar 140 or the fence 100). The groove 176 extendscircumferentially around the slot. This allows the portion of the groove176 at each end of the slot 166 to receive the O-ring 178.

Referring to FIG. 19, the groove 176 has opposite enlarged end portions176A at each end of the slot 166 that receive the O-ring 178 in theextended and retracted positions. The enlarged end portions 176A aregenerally arcuate or circular in shape. The groove 176 has a height Halong the length of the groove between the opposite enlarged endportions 176A. Each enlarged end portion 176A of the groove 176 has adiameter D that is greater than the height H. The diameter D of eachenlarged end portion 176A is generally the same as the exterior diameterof the O-ring 178. Accordingly, the diameter of the O-ring 178 issmaller than the height H of the groove 176. The O-ring 178 isresiliently deformable. The O-ring 178 may be made of rubber or anyother suitable material. As explained in more detail below, eachenlarged end portion 186A receives the O-ring 178 when the slidingmember 154 is in either the extended or retracted position to inhibitthe sliding member from moving from either the extended or retractedposition. Preferably, the fastener 170 also defines a groove or channel180 (FIG. 18) that extends circumferentially around the shaft 182 thatis configured to receive a portion of the O-ring 178 as well.

The sliding member 154 is selectively movable by the operator betweenthe extending and retracted positions depending on whether or not theoperator desires the stock to engage the sliding member. When thesliding member 154 is in the extending and retracted positions, theO-ring 178 mounted on the fastener 170 is received in (e.g., insertedinto) one of the enlarged end portions 176A of the groove 176 at eitherend of the slot 166. In these positions, the O-ring 178 substantiallyfills the enlarged end portion 176. Consequently, the O-ring 178 has adimension that is larger than the height H of the groove 176. As aresult, any movement of the sliding member 154 from the extended andretracted positions is inhibited by the engagement of the O-ring 178 andthe portion of the sliding member defining the portion of the groove 176having the height H (e.g., every part of the groove except for theenlarged end portions 176A). In other words, the enlarged end portions176A act as detents or catches that receive the O-ring 178 to inhibitthe sliding member 154 from moving. To move the sliding member 154between the extended and retracted positions, the operator grasps thefinger tab 168 and applies a sufficient amount of force to deform (e.g.,compress), via the sliding member 154, the O-ring 178 to reduce theheightwise dimension of the O-ring to the height H of the groove 176 (orless) to enable the sliding member to move along the longitudinal axisLA3. Once the sliding member 154 is moved into either the extended orretracted position, the O-ring 178 returns to its original shape (FIG.19), substantially filling the enlarged end portion 176 and inhibitingmovement of the sliding member. In the illustrated embodiment, themounting block 152 also includes a projection 184 that extends into theslot 166 and/or channel 164 of the sliding member 154 depending upon theposition of the sliding member relative to the mounting block. Theengagement between the projection 184 and the sliding member 154 guidesthe movement of the sliding member along the longitudinal axis LA3 andprevents the sliding member from rotating about the fastener 170.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 11-14, the miter gauge assembly 10 includes aflip stop 200 mounted on the fence assembly 22. The flip stop 200 isconfigured to engage the stock. In operation, the flip stop 200 canengage the end or side of the stock to set the location of the stockrelative to the fence assembly 22. For example, in one embodiment, theflip stop 200 can be used in combination with the scale 106 to establishthe dimension the stock is to be cut to. It is understood the flip stop200 can be used with other fences and fence assemblies. For example, theflip stop 200 can be used with router table fences and fence assemblies.

The flip stop 200 includes a mounting assembly 202 configured to bemovably mounted to the fence assembly 22 (broadly, a tool). The fence100 of the fence assembly 22 includes a t-slot 128, similar to t-slot104, at the top of the fence to allow accessories, such as the flip stop200, to be attached to the fence. The mounting assembly 202 isselectively positionable on the fence assembly 22 along the t-slot 128.The mounting assembly includes a base 204 configured to slide along andengage the fence 100. The base 204 defines an opening that receives athreaded rod 209 connected to a clamp nut 208 that is positioned in thet-slot 128. A knob 206 is threadably secured to the threaded rod 209.The knob 206 can be manually rotated for selectively loosening andtightening the clamp nut 208. Rotating the knob 206 to loosen the clampnut 208 allows the flip stop 200 to move or slide along the fence 100.Rotating the knob 206 to tighten the clamp nut 208 secures or fixes theflip stop 200 on the fence 100. The mounting assembly 202 includes athreaded shaft 210 extending outward from the body 204. The shaft 210may be fully threaded or only partially threaded. When attached to thefence 100, the threaded shaft 210 is generally parallel to thelongitudinal axis LA2 of the fence.

The flip stop 200 also includes a first member 212 operatively connectedto the mounting assembly 202. The first member is operatively connectedto the mounting assembly and projects outwardly from the mountingassembly. The first member 212 defines an opening 211 that receives theshaft 210. The opening is adjacent an end of the first member 212. A nut214, such as a self-locking nut, and washer 216 are threaded onto theshaft 210 to secure the first member 212 thereon. The opening 211 thatreceives the shaft 210 is smooth (e.g., non-threaded). This allows thefirst member 212 to pivot on the shaft 210. The first member 212 definesa channel 218 extending from one end of the first member toward theopening that receives the shaft 210. The channel 218 is generallyperpendicular to the opening that receives the shaft 210. The channel218 extends along the lower side of the first member 212. The firstmember defines a slot 220 in communication with the channel 218. In theillustrated embodiment, the slot 220 is in communication with the baseof the channel 218. The slot 220 extends along the first member. Theslot 220 is generally parallel to the channel 218 and is centrallydisposed above the channel. The slot 220 has closed ends.

The flip stop 200 further includes a second member 222 movably connectedto the first member 212. The second member 222 is configured to engagethe stock to locate the stock with respect to the fence assembly 22. Thesecond member 222 projects from the first member 212. The second member222 is mounted on the first member for movement along the length of thefirst member and is selectively fixed to the first member to adjust adistance between the second member and the mounting assembly 202. Atleast a portion of the second member 222 is movably disposed in thechannel 218 of the first member 212. The second member 222 has anL-shape with first and second legs 224 and 226, respectively. The firstleg 224 is sized and shaped to be received and slide in the channel 218of the first member. The first leg 224 defines at least one threadedfastener opening 225 configured to align with the slot 220 of the firstmember. Each threaded fastener opening 225 threadably receives afastener 228. Each fastener 228 extends through the slot 220 and into acorresponding threaded fastener opening 225 of the first leg 224. Thefasteners 228 (broadly, at least one fastener) secure the second member222 to the first member 212. Washers 230 may also be used with thefasteners 228. The second leg 226 extends from the first leg 224 to afree end and is a generally rectangular shaped bar. The second leg 226is configured to engage and extend along the guide face 105 of the fence100 toward the work surface 14. The second leg 226 is configured toengage the stock. In operation, the end or side of the stock buttagainst the second leg 226. Thus, the second leg 226 prevents the stockfrom moving along the fence assembly 22 in a direction away from theblade 16.

The second member 222 is movably mounted to the first member 212 by thefasteners 228 that extend through the slot 220 so that the second memberis selectively positionable on the first member. As mentioned above, thefirst leg 224 of the second member 222 can slide within the channel 218of the first member. By moving the second member 222 within the channel218 of the first member 212, the distance between the second member andthe mounting assembly can be adjusted. Specifically, the distancebetween the second leg 226 of the second member 222 and the shaft 210 ofthe mounting assembly can be adjusted. This allows the flip stop 200 tobe adjusted to fit fences of different depths, fences with differentlocations of the t-slot 128 the flip stop is attached to, and fencesthat include a sub-fence. For example, in one embodiment illustrated inFIG. 13, the second member 222 is disposed adjacent to one end of thechannel 218 in order to engage the guide face 105 of the fence 100. Inanother embodiment illustrated in FIG. 14, the second member 22 isdisposed adjacent to the opposite end of the channel 218 in orderaccommodate the additional depth added by a sub-fence 300 attached tothe fence 100. In this embodiment, the second member 222 engages theguide face 305 of the sub-fence 300. Sub-fences are generally known inthe art and, thus, a detailed description is omitted here. It isunderstood that the second member 222 can be selectively positioned atany point along the channel 218 of the first member 212. The fasteners228 can be rotated with a tool, such a screw driver, for selectivelyloosening and tightening the second member 222 on the first member 212.Loosening the fasteners 228 allows the second member 222 to move orslide in the channel 218 of the first member 212 and allows thefasteners to move or slide in the slot 220. Tightening the fasteners 228secures or fixes the second member 222 in position on the first member212.

Having described the invention in detail, it will be apparent thatmodifications and variations are possible without departing from thescope of the invention defined in the appended claims. For example,where specific dimensions are given, it will be understood that they areexemplary only and other dimensions are possible.

When introducing elements of the present invention or the preferredembodiments(s) thereof, the articles “a”, “an”, “the” and “said” areintended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms“comprising”, “including” and “having” are intended to be inclusive andmean that there may be additional elements other than the listedelements.

In view of the above, it will be seen that the several objects of theinvention are achieved and other advantageous results attained.

As various changes could be made in the above constructions, products,and methods without departing from the scope of the invention, it isintended that all matter contained in the above description and shown inthe accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and notin a limiting sense.

What is claimed is:
 1. A miter gauge for guiding a work piece over awork platform, the miter gauge comprising: a base assembly configured toengage and slide over the work platform; a fence configured to engagethe work piece on the work platform, the fence defining a longitudinalaxis extending between opposite ends of the fence, the fence and baseassembly being connected to one another for relative movement such thatthe fence is selectively positionable longitudinally along the baseassembly to adjust a longitudinal position of the fence with respect tothe base assembly, the fence including a first locating member; and asecond locating member operatively connected to the base assembly andconfigured to selectively engage the first locating member of the fence,wherein the first and second locating members are aligned along thelongitudinal axis of the fence, the second locating member beingmoveable between a locked position where the second locating member isengaged with the first locating member to inhibit longitudinal movementof the fence with respect to the base assembly and hold the fence at apreset longitudinal position with respect to the base assembly and anunlocked position where the second locating member disengages the firstlocating member such that the base assembly is free to move to otherlongitudinal positions along the fence.
 2. The miter gauge as set forthin claim 1, wherein the first locating member comprises a locating holein the fence and the second locating member comprises a locating pinsupported by the base assembly.
 3. The miter gauge as set forth in claim2, wherein the first locating member comprises a locating nut having thelocating hole therein, and the fence includes a race, the locating nutbeing selectively positionable longitudinally within the race to adjustthe preset longitudinal position of the fence with respect to the baseassembly.
 4. The miter gauge as set forth in claim 3 wherein thelocating nut includes at least one set screw configured to engage aportion of the fence to fix the position of the locating nut within therace.